The third Route de l'érable contest - "Chocolate maple sweet creation"

MONTREAL, March 5 /CNW Telbec/ - Maple and chocolate: treats for both young and old! These two delights are the theme for the third edition of this contest for the 100 Creatifs de l'érable on the Route de l'érable 2010. The contest is organized by the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, with help from La Financière agricole du Québec. The honorary president of the competition is Mr. Philippe Bernachon, chocolatier at the Maison Bernachon in Lyon.

Chocolate maple sweet creation

The challenge for this third edition of the contest is to create a sweet where maple and chocolate, amongst other ingredients, are used in a balanced and original way. These creations can be cakes, pastries, chocolates, spreads, macaroons, ice creams or any other sweet which pairs these two ingredients in a delicious way.

The president of the jury will reveal the three winning names in Autumn 2010. The winners will add their creations to their regular menus, or offer them in their shops, for a minimum of one year for local and visiting food lovers to enjoy.

The contest will run from April 1st to July 1st, 2010.

Evaluation Criteria

The four members of the jury will judge the creations based on several criteria: originality, presentation, flavour, finesse, texture and overall balance. Participants will also have to comply with the following conditions:

    
    -   Draw up an original recipe for a maple and chocolate sweet, using a
        100% pure maple product (syrup, butter, taffy, sugar or flakes).
        Contestants can enter as many sweets as they want, as long as the
        contest conditions are met.
    -   Use of any invert sugar or other sweetener, excepted for sugars
        preapproved by FPAQ, will be grounds for disqualification.
    

Prizes

The grand prize winner will receive a five-day training session in 2011 at Mr. Philippe Bernachon's chocolaterie in Lyon, La Maison Bernachon. This prize includes transportation, accommodation and meals. Two additional prizes will be awarded, and the winners will receive a cash prize.

Mr. Bernachon was named a "Maple Ambassador" in 2010 by the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. Mr. Bernachon is one of the third generation of chocolatiers from the famous Bernachon family and is also the grandson of Mr. Paul Bocuse.

The first contest, which focused on maple desserts, was won by Richard Lachapelle of Havre-aux-Glaces in Montreal. The second contest, with maple-based stews as its theme, was won by Thierry Ferré from the restaurant Mouton Noir in Baie-Saint-Paul.

Contest details can be found at www.laroutedelerable.ca.

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For further information: Micheline Vallée, [phone], [email protected]